Cat giving birth

By
✔ MRCVS
DVM
Updated October 16, 2025
5 min read

Why

Look out for

When to worry

What to do

What not to do

When is it normal

What to expect

First days

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Cat giving birth

By
✔ MRCVS
DVM
Updated October 16, 2025
5 min read

Cats give birth at around 8-9 weeks of pregnancy. This article provides a guide on what to expect in a cat giving birth, so you can easily recognise what is normal to reduce any anxiety that this moment may bring. As well as what is not normal so you can call for help without delay.

Birth in cats is also known as labour, kittening and queening. One of the signs that you should seek emergency vet care is if your cat is having strong, continuous contractions that have continued for more than 20 minutes without a kitten being born.

Cat giving birth

Preparing for your cat's labour >Preparing for your cat's labour [Why

Signs your cat is in labour and the stages that follow >Signs your cat is in labour and the stages that follow [Look out for

When to call the vet during your cat’s labour >When to call the vet during your cat’s labour [When to worry

What you can do to help your cat during labour >What you can do to help your cat during labour [What to do

What not to do with your cat in labour >What not to do with your cat in labour [What not to do

How many kittens does a cat give birth to? >How many kittens does a cat give birth to? [When is it normal

What to expect after your cat gives birth >What to expect after your cat gives birth [What to expect

The first few days with newborn kittens >The first few days with newborn kittens [First days

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